Happy Hump Day? Why Your Dog Is Humping And How To Stop It

Happy Hump Day? Why Your Dog Is Humping And How To Stop It

December 19, 2019

Humping is one of the most commonly misunderstood and unwanted behaviour in dogs. It is also one of the most frequent and embarrassing. Sometimes they’ll hump a stuffed animal or a sofa, or worse, a person’s leg.

Dogs do not hump to assert dominance and if your dog is desexed, it’s not about mating either, nor is it reserved just for the males. Females can also demonstrate mounting behaviour for all the same reasons that male dogs do. Humping is common behaviour when dogs are playing, fighting or even when alone and bored.

The most common times we see humping is when guests arrive, after meals or when dogs are playing with each other. These are all stimulating times that spike to dog’s adrenaline and the dog is uncomfortable so needs to make itself feel better.

The simplest answer is that humping feels good and when your dog feels uncomfortable or gets over stimulated, they undertake comfort behaviours to calm down and make themselves feel better.

It is important not to punish this behaviour, you will just increase excitement or make them nervous which will likely compound the problem and increase the likelihood of it happening again.

The best way is to step in calmly and separate. Engage the dog and encourage an alternate settling behaviour such as removing them altogether from the situation and settling or giving them something to chew to provide a distraction.

Work out when your dog is likely to start humping and direct their energy onto a more appropriate activity and reward for calm behaviour. If your dog is trained to sit on cue, when your dog starts to mount, say “sit” provide and reward to encourage the good behaviour.

Bad Doggy Breath?

November 9, 2019

Your dog might think that you appreciate slobbery kisses, but if their breath is bad then getting close is probably the last thing that you want to do!

Some dogs will eat anything and this can lead to bad breath. If your dog is regularly eating your garbage, is eating animal remains or is getting into the kitty litter, this unsupervised snacking can be the cause, but generally the most common cause of bad breath is bad oral hygiene and tooth disease.

REGULAR BRUSHING

If your dog is not a chewer and you do not regularly brush, over time the plaque will build up and lead to serious gum and teeth disease.

Just like humans, the build up of plaque can lead to bad bacteria that cause bad breath. Too much plaque can push the gums away from the teeth exposing new areas for the bacteria to build up.

Dogs teeth should be brushed at least once a week to prevent build up of plaque and bacteria.

DENTAL SPRAYS

Dental Sprays can reduce plaque and freshen breath and can be used as a supplement or replacement to tooth brushing.

DENTAL CHEWS

Dental chews can help, but remember not all dental chews are great for your dog. Look for ones that contain chlorophyll, cinnamon and cloves.

DIET

Fresh wheatgrass is an excellent source of chlorophyll and is a brilliant remedy for bad breath, coconut oil has the added benefits of boosting the digestive and immune systems, it helps to combat bad breath. Put a teaspoon over your dog’s food every day. You can even brush your dog’s teeth with it.

Neem is an extract from the Neem tree and has many positive effects on dogs and their humans. It’s also great for the skin and coat, as well as being excellent for oral health.

Cinnamon sprinkled on your dog’s food will help them to have sweet smelling breath

HEALTH ISSUES

If your dog has a sweet or fruity smell, it could mean that this is a symptom of diabetes. Look out for other symptoms like more frequent drinking and urination. Other issues to look out for is if there is a yellow tinge to the gums, this may mean that your pooch has liver issues and you should get to the Vet to check as soon as possible.

Dog Scooting: Why It Happens and When To See The Vet

October 3, 2019

The sight of your dog dragging its butt across the floor might look funny (unless it’s on your carpet), but dog scooting is no laughing matter and may be giving you a clue that there’s a problem with your furbaby.

Why does it happen and what does it mean and when should you see the vet?

The biggest reason for scooting if there is an itch or pain “back there”. If their butt is bothering them, they will generally drag it on the carpet, grass or concrete to scratch their itch. Many things can cause the itch, but most of the time it’s caused by impacted or infected anal glands.

Dogs have two small sacs on either side of their anus that contain a very smelly liquid that is excreted whenever they poop. Most people think this is how dogs mark their territory, adding some extra smell to their poop that is uniquely theirs. In a normal, healthy dog the stools are hard enough that the glands express themselves. If your dog has loose stools or irregular bowel movements that don’t press against the anal glands you may find that they can develop inflammation of the anal glands.

Inflammation prevents the liquid from being excreted normally and becomes too thick, so it can’t be expressed normally, causing the anal glands to become full and uncomfortable. This can, in some cases also lead to infection and abcesses.

Rarely, the scooting could also be caused by intestinal parasites such as tapeworms, injuries or tumours in the anus, rectal prolapse or allergies. In addition to scooting, you might notice your dog licking their back end excessively.

What to do?

If you notice your dog scooting occasionally, you don’t need to rush to the vets, sometimes they just have an itch and want to scratch it. You should keep an eye on them and check how often they are doing it but an occasional scoot is no cause for concern.

If your dog is scooting for more than a few days, it might be time for a vet visit. Your vet can do a rectal exam, just to see what is going on with the anal glands and to check for any signs of inflammation. Your vet can also do a faecal exam and look for any signs of intestinal parasites.

If the anal glands are full or impacted, the vet may need to express them, however your vet should help you to determine the cause of the problem rather than just treating it symptomatically by manually expressing the glands.

It’s important to try to re-establish the tone and health of malfunctioning glands using a combination of dietary adjustments, homeopathic remedies and natural GI anti-inflammatories. Sometimes manually infusing the glands with natural lubricants or herbal preparations can help return them to normal function.

The goal should be to resolve the underlying cause and return your dog’s anal glands to self-sufficiency. If your dog doesn’t have anal gland issues you should tell both your groomer and your vet to leave these little glands completely alone to avoid future problems down the road.

How to Stop Anal Gland Issues

Adding fibre to your dog’s diet can firm up their stools, making it more likely that the glands will be able to express on their own when the dog poops as they empty with the pressure of the stools. You could try adding pumpkin to your dogs’ food. There are also commercial anal gland supplements containing fibre available.

Chronic Issues

Some dogs develop impacted or full anal glands and may benefit from having them expressed manually on a regular basis, however expressing them when there are no problems is not necessary and will likely cause harm.

If there is no problem, the anal glands should be left alone. Routine expression of the anal glands is pointless and unpleasant for both the dog and the human and can be potentially harmful, so if you take your dog to the groomer, make sure to mention that anal gland expression is not needed as over time expressing them can result in the inability for them to function on their own.

The anal sacs are delicate little organs that can be easily injured through squeezing and pinching. They were meant to function optimally on their own without mechanical squeezing. Trauma to the glands causes tissue damage and inflammation, which in turn causes swelling.

If your dog is having recurrent or chronic anal sac issues, it’s important to identify the root cause rather than repetitively treating the symptom by manually expressing the glands. If your dog’s poop is frequently unformed, sort of watery, their anal glads aren’t getting the pressure they need to empty and you should investigate the cause of the soft stools.  Feeding a balanced and appropriate diet should address most food sensitivities and stool consistency.

SPRINGTIME GROOMING – HOW IMPORTANT IS IT?

September 2, 2019

Just like it is important to spring clean your home, it is important to keep your pet looking their best too! There is no better time than the beginning of spring to clean your pets bedding, toys and of course, their fur! Whether you prefer to wash your pet at home or you have the grooming done by your local Jim’s Dog Wash experts, we cannot stress the importance of regular grooming.

LEAVE WINTER BEHIND (and the winter fur)

Your dog feels refreshed, their ears have been cleaned, their nails have been trimmed, their fur has been washed and cut, and they feel fabulous! Spring is a great time to get your pooch started on their regular grooming schedule. Over the winter, they have been inside, and they may have excess fur from their winter coat that needs to be removed. This will make them feel and look their very best, just in time for lots of fun, outdoor activities.

WHY SHOULD I GROOM MY PET REGULARLY?

Just like we love to brush our hair, take showers, and feel an overall sense of cleanliness, our furry friends love it too. While they may not love getting wet, they will appreciate the way they feel afterwards. It is important that between professional pet grooming appointments, you keep up with their brushing and toe nail clipping (if possible). This helps to keep their fur from tangling or matting and their toe nails from becoming ingrown (ouch!).

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PROFESSIONAL PET GROOMING?

In addition to the regular, mini-grooming sessions at home with your pet (brushing and toe nail trimming), professional pet grooming is necessary to maintain your pet’s health and wellness. There are a few specific reasons why you should choose to professionally groom your pet:

🐾 Professional grooming maintains healthy skin and a healthy coat.

🐾 A grooming professional knows how to properly clean your pet’s ears and inspect them for ear mites.

🐾 Regular nail trims not only keep the nails short, but they reinforce a healthy foot structure and posture and reduces the risk of infection.

🐾 Regular grooming visits may result in early detection of issues with their skin, nails, teeth and ears.

🐾 When your pet has been regularly groomed, you will notice a decrease in shedding.

🐾 Your pet will look and smell great!

If it has been a while since your last trip to the groomer or your pet has never been, Jim’s Dog Wash on 0800 454 654 today. We would love to see your pet and get them looking and smelling their very best!

Common Mistakes That Shorten Our Dog’s Life

August 4, 2019

We love our dogs and want them to live a long and happy lives but unfortunately many of us unwittingly shortening our beloved pooches’ life. Here are a five common mistakes:

Feeding Improperly

Many of us like to give our dogs the food that they like best, but your dog’s health depends on a complete diet with all of the nutrients and less calories.

Be selective about ingredients and make sure you read the package carefully and check the calories as overfeeding is one of the biggest causes of ill health in our pooches. Food should not contain colouring agents or Genetically Modified Organisms.

Your dog’s digestive system isn’t set up for people food and though it’s hard to resist those puppy dog eyes, you are doing your dog a favour by not treating them with your food.

Being inconsistent with training

Consistency will make your dog feel more secure. If you say no to table scraps, but give them some occasionally, it will derail all of your efforts and confuse your dog.

Every dog needs basic training and socialisation, without it you will limit the amount of enjoyment that you have with your pet, they can become easily frightened and react in ways that aren’t appropriate in public.

Forgetting Important Care

Bathing your dog regularly will give you the opportunity to check for lumps or growths, it’s also a necessity to keep them clean and healthy. Dogs that need grooming, should be groomed regular to save them the discomfort of having knots.

Different breeds have different grooming requirements, but all dogs should be brushed regularly. This will ensure that their skin and fur are healthy and free of knots.

Larger dogs that get a lot of exercise on footpaths may wear their nails down naturally, but will still need to be trimmed on occasion. Smaller dogs should be cut regularly otherwise they can rip your skin and furniture as well as causing pain and injury to your dog.

When To Visit The Vet

Don’t put it off, you are your dog’s first and last line of defence. A lot of dog owners skip routine visits unless there is something going on with their dog to avoid the cost and inconvenience.

Dogs will hide illnesses until it becomes unbearable. Treating it then will be far worse. It’s better to have regular check ups as the vet knows what to look for and may be able to pick up things before they become a big problem.

Not Exercising Enough

Exercise is a basic need for every dog. Lack of exercise can lead to health and behavioural problems. Some dogs need more exercise than others, make sure you are providing enough for the breed that you have.

Dogs should have enough time to get outside, they can become overweight as well as showing bad behaviour like chewing up your shoes and digging holes.

Train Your Dog To Walk On A Leash Without Pulling

July 5, 2019

When was the last time you saw dogs off leash walking in a nice straight line? Probably never.  In the wild, being restrained is dangerous, so when a collar presses against a dog’s neck, the tendency is to pull harder. It’s unnatural for dogs to walk in this way, they want to chase leaves and sniff at every fence post.

You may be thinking that all is lost and your dog will never learn how to walk politely on a leash, but that’s not the case. With a few tips, you can help your dog to stop tugging and make your walks more enjoyable for both of you:

Be Patient

Remember that polite leash walking is very artificial for your dog and be patient and generous. If your dog gets it right, make sure you reward them, either with a treat, your words or with permission to sniff something interesting.

Training

A good exercise is to set a treat on the ground and walk towards it with your dog on the leash. Every time your dog pulls forward say “oops” then return back to the starting point. Repeat as many times as you need to until you can walk to the treat without pulling on the leash (told you that patience was needed).

Equipment

The right equipment can decrease pulling and there are numerous choices, like front clip harnesses or head collars. For most products, the fit is key. Too loose and it may not work. Too tight and it can cause pain for your dog. If you aren’t sure, check with a trainer or your vet.

Exercise

A tired dog will find it easier to walk at your pace and learn from you, so ensure that your dog is getting plenty of exercise. To give you a good head start with training, tire your dog out before the walk, play a quick game of fetch beforehand.

Walk WITH Your Dog

A walk is the highlight of your dog’s day. Walk with your dog. You will both enjoy having more to connect you than just the leash.

Is Your Dog Peeing In The House?

June 15, 2019

There are many reasons why dogs have accidents in the house and some of them can be a symptom of a bigger issue so it’s well worth putting a little effort into figuring out what’s causing the problem rather than disciplining them.

Scent Marking

Toilet accidents generally leave large amounts of urine, scent marking is different. You will find small amounts of urine in different place around your house.

Dogs will want to mark scent where other dogs have been to the toilet and ammonia can often trigger that response. Since many of our household cleaners contain ammonia, try switching to a natural cleaner and clean the area thoroughly.

Medical Issue

If your dog was previously housetrained and suddenly starts having accidents, get the vet to check for gastrointestinal disease, urinary or bladder infection or canine cognitive dysfunction (similar to Alzheimer’s disease in humans).

Change of Environment

If your dog has been cleared by a vet and it’s definitely not scent marking, have a look to see if anything significant has happened in your dog’s environment? Have you moved house or has someone recently moved out of the household. Dogs are very perceptive and are more affected by changes in family life, routine or discipline than we realise.

Look for a Pattern

When are the accidents happening? Is it during a thunderstorm or when you leave the house or do they sneak away and go in the same place? Finding a pattern can help find the reason.

Go Back to Basic Training

To stop a dog peeing in the house, you may need to go back to the basics of toilet training.

• Take the dog outside more frequently
• Reward outside toileting
• Supervise at all times
• Don’t punish accidents

Be patient, with consistent guidance and support, your dog will get back on track and keep the accidents to a minimum.

Be Choosy About Dog Chews

May 27, 2019

Dogs love to chew on things. Any chew that can be swallowed or broken apart presents the risk of harm to your dog. If pieces can be chewed or cracked off your dog may swallow them and end up with a bowel perforation of an intestinal obstruction. Soft, easily swallowed chew toys may build up in the stomach and cause vomiting. Dog treats are not part of the pet food industry and as such, are not regulated in the same way, meaning that there could be potential for bacterial contamination if the treats aren’t prepared correctly.

So which one to choose?

Sticks

Sticks can be a natural choice for dogs as they can pick up a stick on their walks. Be aware, that some wood is toxic to dogs, in particular White Cedar, Australian Pine, Black Walnut and Apple trees. Further, a dog running with a stick can cause punctures in the mouth, as too can splinters as well as getting lodged in gums.

Antlers

Dried, aged antlers can be harder than bones and can sometime result in injured teeth

Rawhides

These popular chews are marketed as toys, not food and are processed using chemicals that can be very dangerous to dogs. Always avoid rawhide that is coloured as the dyes are very unsafe for dogs.

Hooves, Feet and Ears

Cow hooves and duck feet are cleaned and dried to use as dog chews, however they can become very brittle and smaller pieces can block or irritate the intestines. Lamb ears are suitable for puppies and smaller dogs, while larger dogs can enjoy cow ears. Pig ears are generally very fatty and can cause digestive problems.

Bully Sticks

You have probably seen bully sticks for sale and have heard that dogs love them, but not many people know what they are made of. Bully sticks, or pizzle sticks are digestible dog treats made with the dried muscle from steer or bull penis, which is considered an animal by product. Dogs love them, but be aware they really stink and are definitely an outside activity!

Dehydrated Meat

Meat can be dehydrated and given to your dog as a chew, provided there are no additional spices or flavouring.

Bones

Cooked bones should never be given to your dog as they become hard and brittle and can cause broken teeth and issues with splinters being swallowed and affecting the intestinal tract. Fresh, raw bones are great for your dog.

Nylon and Plastic Chews

These chew toys can keep your pooch occupied and help them with their urges to chew, but make sure that you check for sharp edges that can cause bleeding. Rope toys can also be used, however you need to ensure that once the toy starts to break down it should be removed as the fibres from the ropes can cause damage to your dog’s intestines.

There are no toys that are completely safe. You should always supervise your dog and immediately remove anything that might cause cracked teeth or intestinal blockages. It is hard to gauge the nutritional content of store purchased treats as they aren’t part of the pet food industry and do not need to have product labels so always purchase from a reputable supplier and use as an occasional treat.

Tips To Keeping Your Dog Healthy During Winter

May 17, 2019

In the winter months, it’s easy to think that grooming isn’t needed so much.  You may think: they are inside all the time and therefore “stay clean,” or they just go right back outside and immediately become a mud puppy again!

Many think that dogs with long coats “winterize” themselves and can be left alone through the cold, wet season.  However, while these coats are a “blessing” in terms of warmth versus a short-haired dog’s coat, they can also be a curse.

Thick coats in winter can turn quickly into an issue if the fur isn’t maintained in a healthy condition.  Fur that’s matted doesn’t insulate or provide warmth; instead, it provides discomfort, pain and hot spots.  Matting can even lead to infections below the skin, so when considering the effects of letting the grooming go, consider how your dog’s health may in fact suffer as a result.  Grooming isn’t just for a beautiful dog it’s also crucial for your dog’s good health.

Dry and cold weather can do a number on your pet’s skin.  Help prevent dry, flaky skin by adding a skin and coat supplement to your dog’s food.  Coconut oil is a good natural moisturizer that can help keep your pet’s skin and coat healthy.  If you find your pet’s paws, ears or tail are dry or cracking, you can also apply coconut oil topically as needed.  Please see your vet if you have any concerns.

Dogs often need more grooming in the winter than at any other time of the year.  Longer, fluffier coats tend to mat, and walks through mud and rain are messy.  If your dog is indoors to keep warm, you may be especially eager to bathe him to keep “doggie” odor to a minimum, but that is a personal preference.

Please keep in mind that if you do bathe your dog, they must be completely dry before going outside if it is cold, because a wet dog is more likely to become chilled.  This is especially true of small breeds or those with short hair.  Prolonged exposure to cold results in a drop in body temperature, or hypothermia, and it is most likely to occur when a dog is wet.  If you normally allow your dog to air dry, consider blow drying to speed the process, if your dog allows you to do it.

Some owners believe that giving a dog a haircut during cold weather compromises the dog because it needs its coat to keep warm. While this is true, it’s also true that most pets don’t live outdoors all the time (nor should they!); they’re usually snuggled up with their owner in front of the heater or fireplace.  House dogs don’t need to rely on long fur and a thick undercoat for warmth, as wild animals do.

It is okay to give your dog a haircut in winter.  However, if you’re concerned about your dog being cold on outings, consider requesting a longer trim or pop on a doggie sweater.

A dog’s winter coat can also hide trouble, such as lumps, bumps or sores, which is another good reason to keep brushing regularly.  As you brush, feel and look carefully for signs of illness.  Call your veterinarian if you see anything suspect – skin infections such as hot spots will spread very quickly and easily get out of control.

Jim’s Dog Wash franchisees come to you in their fully equipped mobile salon, with constant warm water. For regular maintenance or a one off pamper, give us a call. We come to you!

Preventing Matting

May 9, 2019

Dogs coats are constantly changing throughout their life.  The coat goes through several cycles that are pre-determined by genetics.  It may also be affected by diet, environment and health.

The four main stages of coat growth are;

• Anagen
  This is where your dogs coat is in an active growth cycle and constantly growing. This is predetermined genetically, and some breeds have short coats others have long straight coat or curly coats.  Some continue to grow for up to a year others 3 weeks
• Catagen
  This stage is when the coat is reaching its maximum length and stops actively growing
• Telogen
  The telogen phase is when your dogs’ coatis when the coat is dormant.  It has reached its full length and remains attached but is no longer growing but it remains in the follicle
• Exogen
  This is when the hair reaches the end of its life cycle.  This happens to every hair eventually. Once in the exogen stage the hair is shed from the follicle and the process of anagen starts again.

Shedding and Moulting or Exogen Phase

All Dogs Shed, that is fact just as the human hair dies and regrows so does dog hair.  The reason some do not appear to drop coat everywhere is because the coat may at any time have hair growing in 4 different phases in all different lengths and the hair attaches to other hairs holding into the coat.

Under a microscope the hair reaching the end of its life cycle or Telogen Phase looks like a Christmas tree, with small branches or barbs along the length of the hair shaft.   This split fine coat or barbs acts like Velcro and the hair attach to one another this hair may then start to matt, tangle or become compacted.

Exogen can be triggered by longer lighter days and warmer temperature and anagen may be triggered by cooler temperature.    With many pets living indoors in temperature-controlled homes these phases may be a little out of sync with nature.  This may be why your dog sheds less or more and may vary depending on where you live.

Preventing Matting and reducing Shedding

If your dog’s coat is left unattended, gets dirty or wet it will matt more easily When dog hair becomes wet for example the hair shrinks and tightens further as it dries. This will eventually lead to dreadlocks or compacted coat depending on your dog’s coat type.  Most coats like hand stripped terrier coats or smooth coats such as Labradors even poodle coats, will repel dirt and water more easily when kept in optimum condition.

To prevent your dogs coat becoming matted or compacted and reduce shedding

• Brush or de shed your dogs coat regularly, a minimum of once a week and anytime before and after it becomes wet, through swimming, washing or running through muddy puddles.
• Keep your dogs coat clean and well-conditioned, this helps maintain the healthy hair shaft and smooth down those barbs
• Always rinse thoroughly as shampoo residue will cause dirt to stick to your dog’s coat more.
• Dry the coat and brush thoroughly using a comb to check for knots in longer coats “remove knots with a brush not a comb”
• If you have a longer or curly coated breed, keep your dog’s coat trimmed regularly to prevent those split hairs matting.  Longer coated breeds need clipping a minimum of every 8 weeks if they are not brushed in between.  Allowing a dog’s coat to become tightly matted to the skin is painful for your dog and the only thing that can be done is to shave it off extremely short.
• Maintain your dogs coat through winter months.  Many people worry the dog will get cold and leave grooming aside until we are in the middle or end stages of winter.  Ideally a bath and full brush out once a month from a professional groomer will prevent your dogs coat matting and there will be no need to shave short during the colder months
• Keep your dog on a healthy diet rich in omega oils, a glossy healthy coat will also shed less and repel dirt and water.
• Regular de shedding unclogs blocked hair follicles reducing itchy skin and conditions like seborrhoea which results in waxy greasy discharge and foul odours.

The advantages of regular maintenance of your dog’s coat are

• Less vet bills from itchy clogged follicles causing skin conditions that require antibiotics and anti-inflammatory’s
• Your dog will smell and feel better
• Your dog will be able to sleep inside without shedding hair or leaving doggy odours
• You might stop people who will admire your dog
• You will be more aware of changes in your dog’s health
• Your dog will enjoy the attention and love you even more – if that’s possible.

What Are The Signs That Your Dog Loves You?

April 1, 2019

Everyone know that dogs make extremely loyal and intelligent companions, but do they love us back? The short answer is YES! Dogs express emotions too, they just show it in some weird ways.

Here are a few signs to look out for to see if you and your best mate are truly bonded.

Your Dog Makes Eye Contact

In the human world, it’s polite to make eye contact, but in the dog world it’s actually rude or even aggressive. If you met someone that made you feel unsafe, angry or threatened would you stare into their eyes? The same applies with dogs, they only stare into the eyes of their favourite humans and it means that your dog is happy and comfortable with you

Your Dog Wants To Stay Close To You

If your dog wants to sit on your lap, your feet, your chest or leans on you it’s a pretty clear sign of their adoration. Dogs are sociable pack animals and if they want to follow you around, then it’s another clear sign that they love you. Never mind that privacy in the bathroom is a thing of the past, your dog is just showing how he respects and loves you!

A dog jumping on you is generally not your favourite behaviour but it’s a great indicator that your dog loves you and wants to be close to you. It can be annoying sometimes and it’s tempting to punish your dog every time they jump on you but try rewarding your dog for not jumping on you instead. This makes far more sense when you know they only do it because they love you.

Your Dog Wags Their Tail

Tail wagging, on the face of it might sound like a no-brainer, but there is a little more involved in a tail wag, which can have many different meanings – that aren’t necessarily friendly! A full body wag, along with other positive body signs gives you a pretty clear message that your dog loves you back.

Your Dog Turns Their Back On You

Dogs are pack animals and in the wild, it could be dangerous to turn their backs on a potential threat or something that posed danger. If your dog is comfortable turning their back on you or even sticks it’s butt in your face (while not always appropriate) you know that you have a happy, well adjusted dog that loves and trusts you.

Your Dog Stretches Towards You

The last sign is something that not all pet owners may now. If you have seen your dog stretch in front of you (kind of like a bow), it may not be that they’re just stretching after a snooze, it’s more often than not a “greeting stretch” demonstrating that your dog is saying “I love you and I am happy to see you”

Your Dog Likes To Eat Your Shoes And/Or Socks

If your dog loves you, then they will also love your scent. Scientists have proven that the scent of a dog’s owner triggers the part of their brain that is associated with the reward centre. So if your dog is continually chewing on your shoes, it’s a sure sign that they love you very much!

Your Dog Yawns When You Do

Yawning in contagious, but it’s not limited to humans only. Dogs have been bred to read humans and if your pooch yawns when you do, its showing their canine empathy. There is no clear research on why dogs “catch” our yawns but it’s nice to think they’re doing it because there is a strong bond between you and your dog.

Your Dog Brings You Their Favourite Toy

Your dog will often bring you their toys in order for you to play with them, but that isn’t all. Giving you their favourite toy is a sign of affection. When a dog brings you their favourite ball or toy, it means they see you as the pack leader and thinks you’ll like their toy as much as they do.

Your Dog Lays On You After A Meal

We all know dogs are motivated by food, but if they cuddle you once the food is all gone it’s a very good sign that they really do love you!

You Love Your Dog

A dog can sense when you love them! If you don’t love your dog, then you won’t be getting it back in return!

Why Do Dogs Smell Each Other’s Butts?

March 14, 2019

It seems a bit gross, but sniffing butts is how dogs gather information about each other. It’s a normal and important ritual that dogs do during greetings. It helps them to find out things about each other and obtain information that they need to get along and survive.

A butt sniff for dogs is a bit like a hand shake for humans but with far more information received.

The hormones in the glands around the rear end of your dog send out a lot of information that dogs need to understand their place in the world. They also have a special part of their noses called the Jacobson’s Organ that lets them ignore the smell of poop (I want one) so they can smell the glands that release the chemicals they need to smell.

A dog’s nose is far more sensitive than ours and they are able to smell up to 100,000 times better than humans. They can ascertain a dog’s diet, gender and emotional state. They can also tell whether they have met before, and receive important cues on how they should behave towards each other.

Stopping your dog from smelling other dogs butts is robbing them of their instinctual behavior and can be the reason why dogs become aggressive when meeting other dogs on a leash as they aren’t able to ascertain their status with the other dog. Allowing them to sniff each other’s butt is a much more polite way for dogs to greet each other, rather than face to face.

Next time you’re tempted to stop your dog greeting another by sniffing their butt, remember that doing so could create additional stress when meeting other dogs in the future.

Does Your Dog Bark At Night And What To Do About It

January 25, 2019

Night time barking is one of the most common nuisance complaints and lets face it, a dog barking all night is very unpleasant for everyone within hearing distance.

Barking at night can be for a number of reasons, it could be that your dog isn’t feeling well, needs the bathroom, is bored or nervous or maybe just responding to noises in the environment.

Punishment or intimidation to stop your dog expressing themselves can increase anxiety and make the behaviour worse. The key is to work out the reasons for the night time barking and solve the issues causing it, in other words to stop night time barking we need to ensure that all of our dog’s needs are met throughout the day.

Puppies

Young puppies have very poor bladder control and will be homesick. If your puppy has just arrived, then some noise at night is normal, especially if your puppy is learning to sleep alone. Because night time barking can easily become a habit, it’s best to pre-empt the waking pup and get up and take him for a toilet break before the barking starts.

Exercise

Is your dog receiving enough exercise? Just like us, we all sleep better after a day of healthy exercise and mental enrichment. A dog that is tired out from a visit to the park is more likely to sleep through the night.

Toilet Time

Does your dog have access to some where to toilet through the night or are they given adequate time before bed time?

Separation Can be Hard..

Dogs are social animals and this may be a harder one to tackle. If your dog doesn’t sleep with you at night, but is locked away by himself it could be loneliness or even separation anxiety. You don’t have to allow your dog to sleep with you if you don’t want to, but for the purposes of a good nights sleep, you may want to consider a crate or bed in your room, especially if your dog is getting older. Elderly dogs with failing hearing may find it a comfort to sleep close to their owners.

Check For Disturbances

If your dog starts barking at night, there may be a disturbance causing it. Check for mice, possums etc that may have may have moved into your home or maybe a noisy neighbour. Night time barking can very quickly become a habit, so you should investigate as quickly as possible.

Remove Your Attention

A common mistake is rewarding your dog when it’s barking. If your dog barks at night for whatever reason and you get up and pay them attention or even take the dog to bed with you, your dog will associate barking with gaining your attention and the problem will continue long after the original issue is resolved.

How To Stop It

If you are woken by your dog barking, you should check to ensure there isn’t a genuine reason. If the dog is clearly fine, keep the visit brief and uninteresting. Go back to bed as fast as you can. If you stop reinforcing the bad behaviour it will diminish and eventually stop.

Health Check

If all the above have been eliminated, then it’s a good idea to get a vet check just to be sure that there is not an underlying health issue. Senior dogs can also suffer from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (Doggie Dementia) and if they are exhibiting unusual behaviours, you should seek vet advice.

Why Is Your Dog’s Stomach Making Noises And Is It Normal?

January 21, 2019

The gurgling noises you hear from your dog’s stomach are caused by gas moving around in the intestines. Just like us, it is normal for there to be some activity in the intestines, but generally is pretty quiet. If you aren’t sure, place your ear against your dog’s stomach. You should hear periods of quiet with occasional soft gurgles. This is what all of our stomachs sound like as well.

Sometimes just like us, dogs will have episodes of loud gurgling. Sometimes they are so loud that you may be able to hear them from across the room. While these noises aren’t entirely normal, they also don’t necessarily mean there’s a problem.

How Loud Is Loud?

Normal, quiet gurgling occur when normal quantities of gas are moved through the intestines in a normal fashion. Abnormally loud intestinal noises occur when the intestines contain abnormally large quantities of gas, or when the intestines experience abnormally increased activity. Both of these phenomena often occur simultaneously.

Is your dog’s stomach making noises because he’s hungry?

One of the most common causes of your dog’s stomach making noises is when your dog is hungry. Intestines of hungry animals do not contain significant quantities of food. Therefore they have a higher ratio of gas to solids. And the empty intestines might start to exhibit activity in response to anticipated feeding. The result will be audible intestinal noises, or “tummy grumbling.” Breakfast is the treatment for this type of intestinal gurgling.

Is your dog’s stomach making noises because he ate something strange — or something he shouldn’t have?

Unfortunately, hunger is not the only thing that can cause loud intestinal gurgling.

Dietary indiscretion, such as occurs when dogs break into the trash or feast on novel food items, is a common cause of a dog’s stomach making noises. This type of gastrointestinal upset often is mild (it can be compared to what might happen when a person who doesn’t usually eat spicy food goes to a Thai restaurant).

However, be aware that dietary indiscretion in some cases can lead to very severe vomiting or diarrhea, or to other complications such as pancreatitis in dogs.

Other reasons for your dog’s stomach making noises

Other potentially serious causes of your dog’s stomach making noises include intestinal parasites, inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal foreign bodies, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, certain toxicities, adverse reactions to medications, metabolic problems such as liver or kidney disease, glandular disorders and even cancer of the intestines.

What to do about your dog’s stomach making noises

So, how worried should you be about your dog’s stomach making noises, and what should you do? It depends upon the circumstances. If it’s the morning, and your dog appears to be feeling fine but has not yet been fed, consider offering breakfast. If he eats with his normal enthusiasm and the noises stop, there probably isn’t a problem.

On the other hand, if your dog’s stomach is making noises in combination with symptoms such as mild lethargy or slightly poor appetite, a problem could be brewing. You should brace yourself for possible diarrhea or vomiting (although these are not guaranteed to develop), and consider offering an easily digestible diet such as boiled boneless, skinless chicken breast with steamed white rice.

If your dog is producing loud intestinal noises and he seems sick, then you should seek veterinary care immediately. Symptoms that should signal alarm include significant lethargy, significantly depressed appetite or thirst, diarrhea and especially vomiting.

If you are in doubt about whether your dog needs to see the vet, the safest option is always to take him in. It is better to err on the side of caution in these types of circumstances.

Are your dog’s stomach noises painful?

Some people wonder whether loud intestinal noises are painful. Again, it depends on the circumstances surrounding your dog’s stomach making noises. Hunger pangs are not especially miserable, but the cramps associated with some of the more serious causes of loud borborygmi can be downright agonizing. Painful gurgling noises are usually accompanied by lethargy and poor appetite. If your dog seems to be in pain, then a trip to the vet is in order.

Finally, some dogs experience loud intestinal noises on a regular basis. If you notice a dog’s stomach making noises — loudly — many times per week, then you should use the presence (or hopefully the absence) of other symptoms to guide your response. Dogs who experience regular loud stomach gurgling in conjunction with episodes of diarrhea or poor appetite might be suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, parasites, or some other chronic intestinal disorder that should be treated.

Dogs who feel fine but produce loud intestinal noises regularly probably don’t have anything wrong (although you should have your vet confirm it). After all, some individuals are gassier than others, and some intestines are naturally more active than others.

Keeping Your Pooch Safe At Christmas

December 17, 2018

Christmas is nearly here and that means lots of celebrating with friends and family, but a lot of the fun things that we associate with Christmas can be dangerous or harmful for our pets

Decorations

Poinsetta, Mistletoe and Holly are all toxic to dogs. Be sure that they are placed higher up with they are inaccessible for your pets to reach.

Christmas Food

We love our Christmas pudding, chocolates and roast meat that come with Christmas, but some of these ingredients can be toxic to our pets. Be sure to never leave plates unattended and monitor what your dog is eating.

Children

With all of the festivities, some dogs do get anxious with the high-pitched noises of children playing. Make sure all children know how to behave around your dog to keep every one safe. Sometimes your pooch may need some down time away from the festivities, so keep an eye out for the warning signs that your dog may have had enough.

Christmas Trees

Trees look like a ball of fun to our pooches, but with electrical wiring and the risk of the tree falling and injuring them, make sure your pooch is always supervised if they have a tendency to want to play with your tree.

Overindulgence

As much as we all love spoiling our dogs with little treats, be aware that a little can quickly become too much when everyone gives your dog a treat. Ask your guests not to feed your dog.

Noises

Fire works and parties are very prevalent throughout Christmas and it can all become a little too much. Look out for the warning signs and keep your pooch in a quiet, safe retreat where they can rest without being disturbed.

Most importantly, enjoy this time of year with your pooch and relax! Have a very safe and merry Christmas from all of us at the Jim’s Dog Wash Family.

What Happens If Your Dog Eats Onions Or Garlic?

November 12, 2018

Most of us know that our dogs shouldn’t eat onions or garlic, but very few of us actually know why.

Onions and garlic contain an ingredient called thiosulphate which is toxic to cats and dogs. All onions whether cooked or raw can be dangerous

While a stray piece of onion won’t actually hurt your dog, the danger is that the toxins can build up in the dog’s system. This means that a point can be reached where the exposure can make your pooch very unwell with an illness called hemolytic anemia. This condition destroys the dog’s red blood cells, causing them to burst and can be fatal.

It generally takes between two to four days for symptoms to appear, which can include breathlessness, lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting. Your dog may also lose interest in food.

A small bite of something (if you drop it on the floor and your dog is too quick for you) won’t really harm your pooch and besides, dogs generally don’t like the taste of onions. But to be safe, keep all onions and garlic products away from your dog, try to avoid feeding your pooch table scraps as the amounts in food can sometime be hard to gauge.

If you think larger quantities have been consumed or your dog isn’t feeling well, see the vet straight away.

How To Clean Your Dog’s Ears And How Often?

November 6, 2018

Dog Owners often ask if they should be cleaning their dog’s ears and how often. The answer is yes, but how often depends on the breed.

Some dogs are more prone to developing ear infections, depending upon the breed. Dogs with floppy ears (that hang down, like a Cocker Spaniel) are more prone to infections, this is because their ears don’t get as much air flow, so ear wax, debris and moisture can get trapped inside the ear canal. Other breeds like Poodles grow hair inside the ear canal, which can limit the air flow too and lead to infection. Other causes can be parasites, mites and allergies, or simply grass seeds.

Jim’s Dog Wash Groomers will check and clean your dog’s ears as part of the routine grooming and they can usually pick up any issues before your dog starts showing symptoms (like shaking their head or scratching at their ears) but sometimes your pooch may need additional cleaning to prevent any infections.

Signs of ear problems

Getting to know your dog’s ears can help you to detect and prevent ear problems and infections. If your dog’s ears look red, itchy or inflamed or are smelly, you should see your vet before you start cleaning as likely there is already an infection and cleaning won’t resolve it.

How To Clean Your Dog’s Ears At Home

Always use a vet approved ear cleaner, you can buy ear cleaner from your vets or your Jim’s Dog Wash franchisee can supply it for you.

To clean the ears, squeeze a little bit of ear cleaner into the ear and let it drip down into the ear canal. Gently massage the base of the ear to suds up the cleaner and help it break down wax and debris. Let your dog shake his head then use cotton wool to wipe out the folds at the opening of the ear canal until it looks clean.

What About Plucking Ear Hair

If your dog grows a lot of hair in their ear canal, plucking can be beneficial prior to cleaning. If you are unsure, please speak to your Jim’s Dog Wash franchisee who can demonstrate or do it for you.

Remember though in some cases there are no early signs so for the best ear care you must always do a regular Vet check. Furthermore, if you have any concerns it’s best to get your pooch checked by a vet.

Dogs get jealous and a bunch of other facts you probably didn’t know!

November 1, 2018

According to scientists, dogs do suffer from jealousy, the same as humans. Researchers studied dogs and their behaviours and found that most were indifferent when their owners ignored them, but if their owners gave attention to a stuffed dog, their pooches’ behaviour changed dramatically, sparking snapping and snarling at the stuffed toy.

The discovery shows that while dogs may be man’s best friend, there’s still a lot that we don’t know about them!

Dogs don’t feel guilt

Scientists believe that while dogs experience jealousy when their owners give attention to others, but if they chew up your favourite shoes, they may look ashamed but don’t expect them to feel guilty as they don’t experience these emotions.

Researchers say that the puppy dog eyes are not a sign of guilt, but their reaction to being scolded.

Dogs See In Colour

While dogs may not see colours as vividly as we do, they only have two cones in their eyes to detect colours (humans have three), meaning that dogs can see colours on the blue and yellow scale but cannot distinguish between red and green. Dogs do, however have better night vision.

Dogs have way better senses

Dogs can see UV light and don’t need a compass because they can sense the earth’s magnetic fields. It’s believed that they hear some of the ultrasound waves like bats.

Smarter Than We Think They Are

Research shows that dogs can understand up to 250 words and gestures and can perform simple mathematical calculations. The smartest are Poodles, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Dobermans.

Shake It Out

Dogs can shake 70% of the water out of their fur in four seconds, generating more G-force than F1 drivers experience in sharp corners

Puppy Love

Dogs can fall in love. Dog’s brains release oxytocin – the love hormone when it interacts with humans and dogs, just the same as a human brain

Man’s Best Friend

Research shows that dogs are more confident exploring the world with their owner is by their side. Scientists have found that dogs owner’s smell can spark activation of the “reward centre” of a dog’s brain, hence the reason that our dogs are always so happy to see us!

Left or Right

Around 90% of the human population is right handed, but with dogs the split is even with around a third right pawed, one third left pawed and the rest ambidextrous. Research shows that right pawed dogs tend to be bolder and more inquisitive and are more suited as guide dogs. Left pawed dogs tend to be more aggressive.

Puppy Training Tips!

October 2, 2018

So you’ve got a new puppy? It’s never too early to start training and here our five top tips to help you!

1. Think of your puppy as a toddler who has no concept of right or wrong, and needs to be taught. Repetition and consistency are key.
2. Puppies want nothing more than to please you, they just need to know how. Be consistent!
3. Socialize and expose your puppy to people and other dogs! Introduce your puppy to as many places as you can, and to as many people and other dogs.
4. Naps are important for your puppy. Be sure to give him the space and time he needs to relax. Try not to overwhelm him. Like a baby, he’ll need frequent naps during the day.
5. Don’t forget to introduce your puppy to regular grooming as soon as possible so that they become used to the process and don’t become stressed or anxious when it’s time for their grooming.

Top Ten Tips To Keep Your Dog Happy and Healthy

September 12, 2018

1. Visit the Vet. Annual check ups with the vet can catch illnesses before they become big problems.
2. Prevent Fleas. Fleas cause itchy skin but can also be the cause of allergies that can cause anaemia and tapeworms
3. Prevent heartworm. Heartworm can be fatal and prevention is far better than a cure.
4. Exercise every day. Exercise isn’t just important for maintaining a healthy weight, it will keep your dog mentally healthy as well.
5. Watch your dog’s weight. Lack of exercise and overfeeding can cause arthritis, liver disease and coronary disease. Your dog can’t decide how much or what is the best food to eat, only you can do that.
6. Stay away from dangerous foods. Alcohol, coffee, chocolate, avocado, onions, grapes, salt and garlic can all be poisonous to dogs.
7. Brush those teeth. Bad breath can be the first sign of gum or teeth problems. The same as humans, dogs teeth retain particles of food. Infection can lead to tooth decay and ultimately can affect your pet’s health.
8. Vaccinate. Protect your dog against the more serious diseases.
9. Regular health checks. The best way to prevent health issues is to ensure that your dog is checked regularly. Look for swelling, scabs or flakey skin, check the eyes and ears for any sign of redness or infection. Your Jim’s Dog Wash Groomer can also undertake regular checks as part of the groom.
10. Regular Grooming. Regular grooming will keep your dog’s coat and skin in top condition, but it will also help your dog become used to being handled so that they don’t become too stressed when they do need to be groomed.

Top Tips To Change Your Dog’s Behaviour

September 5, 2018

Dogs are brilliant learners and harsh reprimands can make them afraid of you, doing more harm than good. Studies show that rewarding positive behaviour will get better outcomes and here are our top tips to help you:

• Establish Consistent Rules. No amount of training is going to work unless all members of the family are on the same page. Sometimes the biggest problem is that each family member is rewarding different behaviours.
• Reward Only The Good Behaviour. We often reward our dogs for bad behaviour without realising. Do you hate it when your dog jumps up on you, but you continue to pat them and without realising, encourage the behaviour? Or do you have a dog that drives you crazy with wanting you to throw the ball until you give up and throw it to stop him?
• Ignore Unwanted Behaviour. Next time your dog jumps up on you, try looking elsewhere and walking away. Call your dog and ask him to sit, then when he gets it right give him a reward. If he continues to jump on you, ignore him and repeat until he gets it right.
• Exercise. Is your dog getting enough exercise and receiving enough mental stimulation? When we exercise our dogs, there is a lot more going on than simply tiring them out. When dogs (just like humans) exercise it releases endorphins in our brains that make us feel good. Exercise helps us all to maintain focus while providing mental stimulation.

Getting Your Dog Ready For Spring

August 13, 2018

Spring is almost here and the weather is starting to warm up, so it’s time to get your dog prepared for the season to ensure that you both get the most of summer.

As the weather heats up the parasites that can attack your dog also come out. Now is the time to start looking at prevention for fleas, ticks and heartworms. Flea bites itch and can lead to scratching, licking and biting at the skin. In addition to skin irritation, fleas can cause hair loss and tapeworms. Dogs with particularly bad reactions to fleas may get hot spots, or red, itchy spots on the skin that often appear moist and oozing. Your dog should have at least one vet visit a year and spring is the best time to make sure all of the vaccines are up to date and ensure your dogs health for the warmer months.

You should also clean your dog’s bedding. A mild detergent or some vinegar should be enough to get rid of the fur, dander and bacteria that built up over the colder season. Bedding should be cleaned every three months to kill flea eggs and parasites.

With the warmer months ahead there will be more time spent outside, it’s a good time to check your fencing and make sure that it is safe and secure as well as checking for any hazards that may harm your dog while playing. Your dog may use the holes in fences and get lost or could be injured while trying to escape.

We all tend to be a little less active over winter and our dogs may have added a little weight over the colder months. With warm weather on the way and just like us, our dogs need to slowly start back into an exercise program. Increasing exercise too quickly can result in injuries (just like us). Go slow and everyone will be fit and healthy to enjoy the summer months.

This is the time of year when your dog will start shedding all their winter coat. The best thing that you can do is brush your dog regularly to keep the shedding under control, you may need to invest in a specific brush designed for shedding. Use a brush with soft bristles that massage the skin and helps to loosen up dry skin as well so that the dead hair and dandruff are removed and the coat gets a new, fresh look. To help with grooming, here are a few tips:

• If your dog’s coat is looking a bit dry, try using a gentle pet conditioner
• Check to make sure that the ears are clean and have no sign of mites
• Brush Brush Brush!
• Nails also need to be clipped. If you aren’t comfortable doing this let your groomer know and they can do it for you.

For dogs with longer or double coats, you should consider opting into a regular grooming program with your local Jim’s Dog Wash franchisee who can help with flea and tick management along with the maintenance of your dog’s healthy coat. To book in with one of our franchisees, please call 0800 454 654 or book online at https://www.jimsdogwash.co.nz/

Removing Stubborn Stains In Your Dog’s Coat

July 9, 2018

There are many things you can do at home to fix stains quickly, cheaply and painlessly with common things you would have around the house.  Firstly, it helps if you understand hair construction.

The hair shaft is a strand of keratin, or protein that is produced in a hair follicle buried beneath the skin.  It basically consists of three layers;

Medulla, or core;

Cortex, tightly compressed keratin cells surrounding the Medulla;

Cuticle, a thin layer of overlapping cells covering the entire hair shaft similar to shingles of a roof.

The cuticle protects the inner layers when it is in good condition, but sometimes the little “shingles” break away and expose the cortex to internal damage. When this happens all sorts of things can get into the hair itself, oil, dirt or odours are common.

Oil Spots:

Probably the number one thing we are asked about is black oils spots.  The one main thing to remember is that oil and water do not mix so do not try to wash the stain out. The oil quickly soaks into the cuticle and it needs to be drawn out.  Get some plain baby powder and sprinkle it liberally into the coat and it will start to absorb the oil out of the cuticle.  After a few minutes, brush very well and reapply the powder until the spot has disappeared.

Chewing gum:

This is more common than you might imagine and reasonably easy to remove.  The simplest option of course is to cut it out, but it is not necessary as a little olive oil will sort the problem very well.  Any good quality clear oil will work, simply rub it into the gum and start picking away with your fingernail towards the tip of the hair and it will slide off the cuticle a little at a time.  Keep applying oil until it is gone and then soak up the oil with paper towels, and shampoo when it’s convenient.

Paint:

If the paint is water based you should wash it out as soon as possible or at least keep it wet until it can be washed out. If it is enamel paint it is not so easy.  Do not under any circumstances pour thinning products on your dog. Remove as much as possible with paper towels and try alcohol wipes on the area while it is still damp and then shampoo well. If the paint has dried you could try the olive oil again or it may need to be clipped out to avoid your dog chewing at it.

Mud:

If washing is not an option, some mud is as easy to be rid of as waiting for it do dry and brushing it away.  For smelly swamp mud, try adding baking soda in small amounts to the dried mud before brushing and repeat where necessary.

If you are not sure what to do, try ringing your local Jim’s Dog Wash groomer on 0800 454 654 first and they will be able to help you.

How To Keep Your Dog’s Coat Healthy

June 12, 2018

Shiny coats are a sign of good nutrition, proper maintenance and an indication of the dog’s overall health. If you want your dog’s coat to really shine, then diet is the first place to look.

In the wild, dogs eat a variety of food that consists mostly of raw meat, raw bones, organs, other tissues as well as undigested vegetable matter, so it’s not surprising that meat alone won’t provide everything that your dog needs.

On top of that, dog’s dietary requirements change depending on the stage of their life and activity level. A growing puppy needs high levels of protein, to develop strong bones and muscles, whereas too much protein for an older dog can over work the kidneys and shorten their life.

The best way to make sure that your dog has a great coat is to provide everything a dog needs in their diet. Low quality foods or homemade diets often aren’t properly balanced to ensure that your dog is getting all the nutrients for a healthy and shiny coat. Healthy fats are important when it comes to keeping the coat in it’s best condition. Most good quality foods contain omega-3 and pet stories also sell supplements which can also help with skin disorders. Itchy skin can be reduced, due to the anti-inflammatory effects of omega fatty acids.

Your local Jim’s Dog Wash groomer can help you to establish a regular bathing and grooming routine. This will improve the oxygen supply to your dog’s skin, remove old hair and allow oils in the skin to be passed over the dog’s coat, keeping it healthy. Your groomer will also check for parasites, which can cause dry skin or more serious issues.

Contact Jim’s Dog Wash on 08 0045 4654 or book online to have a chat with your local groomer to establish a routine which will benefit your dog.

Caring for our pets

May 15, 2018

AS A PET OWNER, MOST OF US KNOW OUR RESPONSIBILITIES OF CARING FOR THE ANIMALS THAT ARE SO DEPENDANT ON US.

And so as pet owners, we also need to understand the benefits of regular grooming routines.

A clean pet is a happy pet.

Keeping the coat free of dirt, tangles and external parasites, removing loose hair, no hair in the eyes, clipped nails, trimmed pads all make for a pet that is comfortable.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T KEEP A REGULAR GROOMING SCHEDULE?

Serious side effects occur when we neglect to groom our pets. We encourage a variety of issues which can lead to expensive vet bills and difficult or even aggressive behaviour from your pet. Long hair hanging over your pet’s eyes can restrict vision altering the pet’s capabilities and behaviour. When long hair is not brushed and washed regularly, pets often suffer matting and can load your pet with extra weight.

Matting of the hair can be painful and cause serious skin conditions. Severe matting restricts blood flow, pulling tightly on a pet’s skin and making a simple pat painful. In some cases, matting can be so severe that it restricts body movement leading to deformity.

Overgrown nails can be very painful, with long nails growing into the paw pads. Long nails can cause your pet’s toes to bend and create a walking disfigurement.

Double coating from irregular brushing leads to extra coat causing your pet to suffer heat stress.

Grass seeds will not be easily detected if you are not hands-on with your grooming. Undetected grass seeds can lead to abscesses, severe infection, sometimes major surgery for your dog which means expensive vet bills for you.

Fleas, ticks and mites are some of the most common parasites that can thrive on dirty and untreated bodies.

WHEN SHOULD I GROOM MY DOG?

How often your dog needs grooming will vary with age, lifestyle, type of coat and health issues but most breeds will benefit from a 4 – 6 week schedule, some even going on a weekly or fortnightly routine.

BENEFITS OF PET GROOMING INCLUDE:

• A pet that looks and smells nice, plus your best friend will be free from discomfort, feel great and behave well.
• Reduced risk of eye, ear & skin infections. You will ensure your pet is free from pain and disease.
• Lower medical bills as regular grooming will prevent disease and catch many health issues before they become an emergency.
• Regular nail trims will help keep the nails short but helps reinforce healthy foot structure and posture, and reduces the risk of infection
• Shiny, healthy and properly brushed coats will shed less

FLEAS

How do I manage fleas on my pets?

Fleas can be easily controlled provided you follow a few simple steps.

• Seek advice from your vet as to the most appropriate product to use on your pet.
• To completely manage the outbreak it is important to treat your pet, its bedding, and your house at the same time.

Your efforts will be wasted if you only focus on treating your pet alone.

• You should treat areas where pets sleep and play on a weekly basis whether fleas are present or not.
• DO NOT issue your pet with tablet or liquid flea treatments and then within 24-48hrs of doing so proceed to wash them with a flea rinse shampoo.

This is doubling up on product and can cause serious illness, even death.

ALWAYS READ AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS OF ANY FLEA TREATMENT THAT YOU ADMINISTER.

If issuing via liquid or tablet form, always purchase the correct treatment relative to your dog’s weight.

If unsure, Contact your Vet for further advice.

What Does Your Dog Dream About?

April 9, 2018

Have you ever watched your dog sleeping and seen his legs twitch or his paws moving? It’s impossible not to think that they are dreaming, but for many years scientists weren’t sure if animals could dream in the way that humans do.

Following a series of studies where the brain activity of rats was monitored going about their business during the day and then compared to the patterns in the brain while they slept, scientists have been able to finally prove that animals do dream just like us.

No one completely understands the process of dreaming, but it is thought that it helps the brain to process information and experiences throughout the day, hence the reasons that puppies (and human babies) sleep so much, because their brains have so much more to process.

Sigmund Freud once theorised that dreaming is like a safety valve for all of our unconscious desires, it’s fun to imagine that this is correct and our dogs are dreaming about non-stop pats, unlimited treats and chasing their favourite ball!

In reality, as humans, we tend to dream about the things that we see throughout the day and studies show that dogs are no different. Dogs can also experience nightmares or bad dreams as well.  Animals that have been mistreated or come from unhappy homes tend to whimper in their sleep or show signs of being frightened, while a happy dog will paddle his legs as though running, wag his tail or twitch his nose.

It’s very likely that dogs dream about the things they see and do throughout the day, so the best way to give your dog the best dreams, is to give them lots of fun day time experiences with plenty of sleep in a safe and warm environment.

If dogs do dream about the things that interest them, then it strongly points to our pets dreaming about us. Our dogs are attached to us and it makes sense that they would dream about the person they care about the most!

Dogs sleep about half of their day, so they have plenty of time to dream about their owners as well as their other doggie favourites.

Jim’s Dog Wash can help with pampering your best friend and ensuring that they have lots of fun, happy thoughts to dream about. Our mobile operators come to your home to wash and groom your dog in a warm and safe environment where there are no other dogs barking or threatening them.

Your dog will never be far from you (their favourite person) and you can rest assured that our fully trained franchisees know how to pamper and spoil your dog.

Call Jim’s Dog Wash today on 0800454654 or book online here

Preparing Your Dog For Autumn

March 28, 2018

With summer over and the cooler time of the year about to begin, there are some necessities that your best friend will need to prepare for the coming winter months. Changing seasons means changes in your dog’s nutrition and lifestyle and here are a few tips to ensure your best friend is healthy and happy.

With the cooler weather approaching, your dog may need new bedding or additional blankets to keep warm, especially if they sleep outside. If your dog spends a lot of time indoors, heating can lead to the skin and coat drying out. To keep moisture in the coat you can increase omega 3 into the diet to promote healthy skin and coat over the winter months. Fish such as salmon and whitefish are a great source of omega 3. If your dog wears a coat during winter, be aware that the jumper can rub on your dog’s fur, especially around the neck and front legs causing painful mats if you aren’t brushing regularly.

As the day gets shorter, some of your regular walks may take place in the dark. If you don’t have the proper gear to walk your dog at night, now is a good time to start thinking about it. You can purchase reflective gear for yourself and your dog, as well as light leashes (leashes that provide a light).

With the extra leaf litter and extra moisture trapped on the ground, we see an abundance of mushrooms growing in our back yards and while we are out walking. While most of mushrooms are non toxic, dogs are more susceptible to poisoning because of their wandering and their indiscriminate appetites, so keep an eye on your dog with a curious nose.

Contrary to popular belief ticks and fleas can still be prevalent in the cooler months and the build up of leaf litter is a tick’s favourite environment, so remember to keep up your flea and tick program.

Regular grooming is more important in winter, the most common misconception is that dogs don’t need regular grooming in winter and owners allow the coats to grow longer. Dogs will grow thicker coats to combat the cold but you still need to keep the coat neat for the insulation to work it’s best. Without regular grooming, your dog’s fur can become matted and cause discomfort and skin problems.

Dogs paws are also more susceptible to damage in the muddy and cold conditions. Hair between paws should be trimmed neatly to avoid mud being stuck between the paw and pads, which can cause infections and discomfort.

You should still wash your dog during winter, just be sure to dry them off completely so that they don’t get too cold afterwards. Jim’s Dog Wash uses force driers and has warm water on board to ensure that your pooch is warm, clean and completely dry.

If you want to keep your dog warm, comfortable and looking their best, call our friendly team on 0800454654.

Keeping Your Double Coated Dog Cool In Summer

March 6, 2018

A dog’s undercoat is a second coat beneath the outer coat that keeps your dog warm in winter and cool in summer. Breeds such as the German Shepherd, Pomeranian, Chow, Husky, Malamute and Samoyed generally have an undercoat.

Double coated breeds have long and course outer coats that protects the undercoat that is usually fluffy and soft. While dogs shed their outer coat all year round, the undercoat is usually shed seasonally.

Breeds with an undercoat require a lot of maintenance all year round, but need a full deshed and blow out at each change of the season. You need to brush the undercoat all year round to prevent any matting and during shedding time to remove all of the loose fur. This can be done with a rake or a deshedding tool.

Shaving a double coated dog is rarely done for the below reasons:

• The purpose of the undercoat is to keep them cooler in summer and warm in winter. The top coat with the tougher guard hairs protect your dog from the sun’s rays and insect bites.
• In summer, your dog will shed the soft undercoat, just leaving behind the guard hairs. Without the undercoat, the air cannot circulate beneath the outer hair and cannot keep the skin cool.
• Single coated breeds have hair that just keeps growing, double coated breeds only grow their fur to a certain length. If you shave a single coated breed, the coat will grow back without any change. Shaving a double-coated breed can really ruin the coat.
• If you do shave your double coated dog, the new hair will grow back but the undercoat will grow first. The guard hairs are slower to grow. The texture of the new coat coming through tends to be sticky and all manner of grass seeds, twigs and plants will stick to the dog’s coat
• The texture of the soft undercoat will absorb the sun’s rays, making your dog hotter in summer.
• Shaving a double coated dog does not reduce shedding

The best way to keep your dog cool in summer is to ensure that your dog is groomed regularly and has a de-shed at the beginning of each season to remove all of the dead hair and to ensure that the outer coat can work as it is intended, as an insulator.

Brushing alone does not get all the undercoat. Brushing in conjunction with regular bathing promotes shedding and then drying with a high velocity drier to push out a lot of the undercoat.

The best thing to reduce/prevent shedding is to have regular grooming every 4 weeks. Speak to your local Jim’s Dog Wash franchisee, who can put your dog on a regular cycle for grooming to keep your dog’s coat in top condition.

Call Jim’s Dog Wash on 0800454654 to speak to one of fully trained operators who can advise you on a schedule that suits you and your dog.

Hot Weather Dogs: Tips For Keeping Your Best Friend Cool In Summer

February 16, 2018

Summer time in New Zealand means lots of fun outdoor activities with your pooch but when the temperature soars, Jim’s Dog Wash has a few tips to keep your dog cool.

Some dogs do struggle with the heat more than others, long-haired dogs or breeds with undercoats like Huskys, Border Collies and Chow Chows will feel the heat more than short-haired dogs. Pugs, Bull Dogs and Boston Terriers have flat-shaped faces and can’t pant as well as other breeds to regulate their body temperature and can overheat very quickly

Keep Your Dog Cool And Hydrated

• Plenty of fresh drinking water is a must. You can even add ice cubes into their water to keep your pooch cool.
• A small wading pool can be fun if your pooch likes the water
• Make cool treats, help your pooch keep cool from the inside. You can freeze chicken stock, chicken pieces or carrot pieces in an ice cube tray and give them to your dog for an extra special summer time treat.

Regular Doggie Baths

• Bathing your dog every 2 weeks helps to keep your pooch clean if they have been swimming in lakes or the beach, this will also give you or your groomer an opportunity to check for ticks
• Regular grooming will help with shedding and help to remove the heavy undercoat to keep your dog cooler

Staying Out Of The Sun

• Shade for your dog over the warmer months is very important. Have your dog inside or provide a proper outdoor shelter for them.
• Be aware of how high temperatures rise in cars. Never leave your dog alone inside of a car during summer.
• Just like we need sunscreen to protect us from the sun so does your dog, especially if your dog has lighter coloured skin or less hair. Be aware that zinc is toxic to dogs so make sure the sunscreen is natural and zinc free

Exercise

• It is best to take your dog for walks either in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not too hot. Remember, if it’s too hot for you it will be too hot for your pooch as well.
• Dogs don’t wear shoes, be aware of this when walking on hot cement or pathways.
• Be careful not to over exercise your pooch. Constant panting and drooling are both signs that your dog has had more than enough exercise.

Grooming Your Dog At Home

February 7, 2018

Have you ever noticed how much cleaner your dog is after being to a groomer than when you wash him at home? You pour on heaps of shampoo, chuck in a little water from the hose, give him a scrub and wash him off, but his coat still seems dull.

One of the biggest problems with washing at home is shampoo residue being left on the coat and skin which can cause dullness and in some cases, serious skin conditions. Many, if not most dog shampoos suggest you pour the shampoo liberally over the dog. This is not only makes it hard to rinse out, but it wastes a lot of shampoo unnecessarily.

Washing your dog can be quick and fun if you follow a few simple steps:

• Get everything ready beforehand, shampoo, sponge, chamois, towels
• For long coated dogs, or shedding coats, brush well first
• If necessary, use a soft lead to tie your dog in place so both your hands are free
• Use warm (but not hot) water whenever possible, if warm water is not available for the whole job, at least use a bucketful of warm water for shampooing and then rinse in cold
• Put some shampoo into a bucket and fill with warm water and wash your dog with a sponge rather than pouring the shampoo onto the coat, or mix in a pressure sprayer that is used solely for this purpose. This makes it easier to rinse out and you use significantly less too
• Rinse really well and take care not to get water in the ears or nose. When you have finished rinsing, the water should appear clear enough to drink
• Dry off with a chamois first, this removes heaps of water and then towel dry giving a really good scruff up, this is your dog’s reward for being so good

If your dog gets vehicle oil in the coat, try brushing though liberal amounts of un-scented baby powder, oil and water just don’t mix. For removing chewing gum, use olive oil to rub into the gum and break it apart with your fingers. It should slide out in small pieces then shampoo with warm water as above.

And that’s really all there is to it. As always, brushing is more important than washing which helps remove dander, shedding coat and knots, and if in doubt, ask your groomer for advice for in-between maintenance. Call Jim’s Dog Wash on 0800454654 to book in regular grooming.

Grooming Short Haired Dogs

February 7, 2018

If there’s one thing that never ceases to amaze us it’s the amount of people who mention in passing how annoying it is that their short haired dogs shed fur all over the house, but have never thought to ask us if we can do or advise anything to stop that. The answer would be a resounding YES!

Most dogs shed, especially when the seasons are changing, it either drops out if the coat is short, or gets stuck in the coat and creates mats and knots if it’s long but there is something we can do about both, and so can you at home.

Anything from a short coated Chihuahua or Great Dane, can benefit from a de-shedding treatment. Here’s what to do.

First a nice warm wash and shampoo with lots of bubbles and a good scrub with a rubber curry brush to loosen the dead coat that’s ready to shed out. Then rinse really well and you should already see a lot of fur flushing away. A light conditioner can help too, but be sure to rinse even more thoroughly after that. Jim’s Dog Wash then use a force dryer to blow a lot more out of the coat, but at home you can still achieve a reasonable result after your dog is completely dry using something like a “Furminator”

Stroke the “Furminator” over the coat keeping it flat and horizontal to the body and you should get a lot of fur coming out. Keep working around the entire dog moving gently when you get near the bony areas, as well as removing all that fur that is about to drop out, the coat should take on a nice shine. Lastly, just a wipe over with a slightly damp chamois will pick up any strays you might have stirred up.

Whether you do it yourself or give Jim’s Dog Wash a call on 0800 454 654, you should notice a huge difference around the house.

Customer Demand Surges As Jim’s Dog Wash Approaches 2018

December 26, 2017

As 2017 comes to a close, Jim’s Dog Wash, celebrates another very busy year, servicing more than 15,000 customers across Australia and New Zealand. Unfortunately, over 13,000 customers were also turned away due to the shortage of operators, equating to over $700,000 of work that current franchisees were unable to service.

Divisional Franchisor, Sharon Connell, said Jim’s Dog Wash has an absolute commitment to customer service and it is central to everything that we do, couple this with the trusted Jim’s brand and it is a win-win for customers and franchisees alike.

Jim’s Dog Wash is seeing very significant trends during the last 12 months, mostly due to the busy lifestyle of our clientele:

• Increased demand for mobile grooming services as time poor owners want to fit grooming in with their busy lifestyles;
• The most increased jobs for Jim’s Dog Wash was specific breed style grooms; and
• Continued success for Franchisees in the Jim’s Dog Wash

The biggest benefit of being part of the Jim’s Dog Wash brand is that franchisees can achieve their financial and lifestyle goals at the same time, with many opportunities for those that want to build a career. John and Liz Ten Hoopen started as franchisees in 2014 in Adelaide, South Australia. Since that time, they have grown to be very successful franchisees with two trailers on the road earning a fantastic income, while still being able to spend time with their busy family.

John and Liz have recently taken on the role of Regional Franchisor in North Adelaide and are very excited for 2018 and looking forward to sharing their knowledge and expertise in business and in Dog Grooming.

Jims Dog Wash is anticipating a busy 12 months ahead with new area managers in Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and New Zealand with the plan to recruit new franchisees to keep up with the demand for Dog Washing and Grooming Services and to reduce the number of customers being turned away due to lack of operators.

Jim’s Group is currently hard pressed to recruit enough Franchisees as customer enquiries have surged in 2017 and continue to surge. Even though franchise numbers have risen five per cent over the past year, the number of leads have grown by 15 per cent since 2016.

CEO of Jim’s Group, Jim Penman, said he attributes recent growth to an increased focus on outstanding customer service, with automated review and feedback systems.

Recent improvements in customer service are driven by heavy investments in IT. Jim’s Group now spends more than $1 million dollars per year on software development to increase efficiency and improve service to customers and Franchisees.

Increased customer demand is even more remarkable given:

• Franchisees are encouraged not to compete locally on price;
• Customer surveys suggest that around 75% of leads result in work being done; and
• Advertising is being scaled back. In some areas, the advertising contribution of around $150 per month has to be given back to the Franchisees because it is simply not needed.

Customers are also reassured that Jim’s Group work is covered by a Warranty Fund that is funded by a once-off charge to new Franchisees (mostly $100). For example, the Group’s biggest ever pay-out was $120,000 to replace a very large fence that proved to be substandard, but such claims are rare, as evidenced by the fact that the Warranty Fund is currently $70,000 in surplus.

The sheer volume of current leads has made it much easier to put on Franchisees than in the past. In addition, there are leadership opportunities in the growing number of new Divisions – 52 at last count.

Of the existing 3800 Franchisees, the age range varies from 20 to 73 years of age and includes people from myriad backgrounds and cultures. During 2017 there has been growing interest in owning a franchise from two distinct groups of people:

• Those who are familiar with earning good incomes but finding themselves less employable as they reach their late 40s or early 50s; and
• People who simply want an independent and balanced lifestyle with more family time. Though the average Franchise income is around $100,000 per annum (Jim’s Group does not record what Franchisees earn), top Franchisees can earn into the millions.

To enquire about booking a Jim’s Dog Wash service or becoming a franchisee, please visit https://www.jims.net/

About Jim’s Group

When Jim Penman studied his PhD in history, it wasn’t remotely on his radar to build a multimillion dollar global franchise business. Jim mowed lawns part-time to make his way through university. In 1982, having failed to secure an academic post, he launched a full-time business with a marketing budget of $24, In 1989 he began franchising. By focusing relentlessly on service to Franchisees and customers, and being highly selective as to who he put on, the business grew into what is now a national brand.

From mowing lawns, to cleaning houses or installing antennas Jim’s Group has 52 Divisions and 3,800 Franchisees in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United Kingdom. The Group estimates that it serves more than 100,000 customers each week.

The Jim’s Group headquarters is on a sprawling campus in Mooroolbark where Franchisees regularly meet for training and business development. It also doubles as a popular reception centre, with a special focus on church groups and non-profits.